Darley Gateway Park has received a long-awaited face lift, now shining a bright light on the East Baltimore neighborhood.
Maryland State Sen. Cory McCray, a Darley Park native, partnered with Parks & People, which works to ensure Baltimore residents are connected to nature through parks and green spaces, to transform the once abandoned site.
Over a decade ago, the city tore down vacant homes near the neighborhood. The area that remained became a frequent location for dumping trash and waste.
After five years of work to revitalize the park, it is now clear of debris and equipped with playground equipment, new signage, benches and new lighting. The lighting, in particular, will help to extend park hours and enhance safety, according to Parks & People.
Since the park was rebuilt, Parks & People said they have seen increased redevelopment of neighboring homes.
“Parks and green spaces are an affordable way to spark reinvestment and add value through community assets,” the organization said.
The neighborhood celebrated the new green space on Thursday with a lighting ceremony and a community concert with jazz musician Clarence Ward III.
Congratulations Pauline Chaarles, preisdent of Darley Park Community Association ! Good to see that hard work pays
off in, formerly, disinvested neighborhoods. Thank you Senator Corey Mc Cray for shinning a light on the needs of one
of east Baltimore’s smaller neighborhoods.- Hotep, East Baltimore Historical Library